DGT

The meteorological winter has already begun for the AEMET. And now we have another problem with the DGT beacons

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The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has not waited for the solstice to start winter. A season that, meteorologically speaking, extends from December 1 to February 28. Three months of cold await us (although less and less)rain, snow and various inclemencies. This year, it is inevitable to ask ourselves if the cold may affect the V16 beacons of the DGT. The answer is a resounding yes. Resistance up to -10ºC. All approved V16 beacons must have with a series of requirements. And one of them talks precisely about resistance. There are two things to keep in mind here: the IP rating and what temperature range they can operate in. New connected beacons must have at least IP54 certification. That is, resistance to dust and splashes of water. But they must also offer adequate operation within a wide range of temperatures. Specifically, between -10ºC and 50ºC. It is enough even If we leave the car in full sun in summerbut in winter it gets a little more complicated. BUT. Theoretically, Spain is not a very cold country. But although it is not at the level of the Nordic countries, in certain places or times the thermometer can fall below -10ºC. If we are going skiing, if we are driving on a mountain road on a particularly cold day or if we are considering a getaway to one of the “refrigerators from Spain”things get complicated. For example, Molina de Aragón (Guadalajara) is considered the coldest town in Spain and has the milestone of having reached -28.2 degrees. In these types of places and situations, the resistance to -10ºC of the beacons is insufficient, so their connectivity may stop working, thus losing virtual visibility, or even fail to turn on. Another problem: snow. Beyond the problems caused by extreme temperatures, there is another phenomenon that in the winter season can interfere with the beacons. Much has been said about the visibility problems of these devices in broad daylight, in fog or on very tight curves, but snow can also become another obstacle. Beacons should be placed on the highest part of the vehicle where possible, usually the roof. If the snow settles, it can cover it and thus kill the physical visibility it provides us. The alternative. The V16 beacons aim to improve safety on the roads, warning other drivers of the obstacle posed by a car stopped on them. In the event that the beacon does not work due to problems with temperatures or snow, the option left is to contact the emergency services via mobile phone. The V16 beacons, which will be mandatory from January 1, 2026, are not without controversy. From the scams around them until accusations from groups of the Civil Guardthe DGT He had to admit his mistakes and has already explained that will be flexible with fines. Cover image | Generated with Gemini In Xataka | FACUA believes that a lot of V16 beacons “approved by the DGT” are not legal. And there’s a way to sum it up: fraud. In Xataka | Living 1,300 kilometers from the North Pole: a Catalan tells of his experience in the northernmost city in the world

The DGT is “favoring massive fraud” with the V-16 beacons. We don’t say it, FACUA denounces it

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Of favoring “massive fraud” and “very serious passivity.” This is how Rubén Sánchez, spokesperson for the consumer association FACUA, has defined the attitude taken by the DGT on the occasion of the arrival of the V-16 beacons, which will be mandatory from January 1, 2026 to replace the emergency triangles. The association defends that many drivers have bought beacons that are now useless. But, in addition, the press conference and the company’s statement also leave another door open: who and why are criticizing or defending the measure? “A massive fraud”. The words are not found in the statement issued by FACUA but he does pick them up Europa Press from the mouth of Rubén Sánchez, spokesperson for the association, who has accused the DGT of favoring a “massive fraud” with its “very serious passivity” in the face of V-16 beacons that are sold as “approved by the DGT” but in reality are not legal. At the press conference, Sánchez has been much harsher with Traffic than the association has published on its website, ensuring that “it is silent while a multitude of companies, manufacturers and sales platforms are making money at the expense” of consumers” and that the DGT is doing it “absolutely badly because it has allowed large-scale commercial fraud.” Because? Because some of the V-16 beacons that are sold as “approved by the DGT” are not valid, according to FACUA. The association assures that there are companies using this claim to sell their beacons but these do not meet the connectivity requirements and, therefore, an agent can fine the user if they use it in their car. How is it possible? There are two options in this case. The first is that, directly, the company that is selling these beacons is engaging in fraud. That is, you are knowingly selling a product using a claim that is false. Therefore, the best we can do if we find a particularly cheap beacon is review on the DGT website that we are facing a device that complies with all of the law. The other possibility is that the shopping centers have taken out of storage the beacons that began to be sold before their connection with DGT 3.0 was mandatory. At that time, it made perfect sense that the box stated that they were “approved by the DGT” but obviously they have been out of date. FACUA denounces the following: “The obligation to inform the consumer about “the essential characteristics of the good” and to provide him with “relevant, truthful and sufficient information” about it is also being violated, as established in articles 20.1.b and 60.1 of Royal Legislative Decree 1/2007, of November 16, which approves the consolidated text of the General Law for the Defense of Consumers and Users and other complementary laws” Tepidity. FACUA’s words contrast with those of other consumer associations. The most obvious case is that of OCU, who have been opposed on some occasions to the measures taken by the DGT, such as environmental labelingbut they have not been dissatisfied with the V-16 beacons. The consumer association has made publications specifying what requirements are necessary to have a V-16 beacon connected or dismantling hoaxes. Posts that come with discounts on subscriptions that have a V-16 beacon attached as an ol giftdirect sale of this product. Beacons, beacons everywhere. And the V-16 beacon has become the star product of Christmas. All the large surfaces are promoting this product with supposed discounts, large online shopping spaces such as AliExpress or Temu They take discounts on the product to their highest point. The companies telephone They deliver it with new contracts, Mail has it in its offices and driver associations such as RACE either RACC They also have theirs. It is the result of a process that has allowed certify the same product with very subtle differences and then sold under different names. The most flagrant and controversial case of recent days is that of Angel Gaitan. He influencer has repeatedly criticized the imposition of this new device but has not lost the opportunity to sell a beacon under your seal which, in reality, is the same as that approved by the inventors of the new device and those who received the first approval from the DGT to sell their beacons presuming complete legality. Photo | Facua In Xataka | Yes, next year I am going to carry the V-16 beacon because they force me to. It doesn’t even occur to me to throw away the triangles

The director of the DGT proposes a grace period with the V16 beacons

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On January 1, 2026, it becomes mandatory to carry the V16 beacon connected in the car. Pere Navarro, general director of Traffic, has shed some light regarding the DGT’s decision on the device. And a few days ago confirmed that the agents will act flexibly during the first months, prioritizing information about the sanction. The statements come just after the DGT itself has recognized communication failures of this measure. The date does not move, but the fines will wait. Navarro reiterated that the regulations comes into effect as plannedand that is something that had been announced for five years. But he also clarified that the agents “will be flexible, for a time, informing” the drivers before starting to sanction. The objective, according to the director of the DGT, is to “consolidate this system” without generating a barrage of fines from day one. Mea culpa from Traffic. Montserrat Estaca, head of the Telematics Area of ​​the DGT, publicly acknowledged in statements to 20Minutos that “we have not done the job well” in terms of disseminating the measure. He admitted that many citizens are unaware of the mandatory nature of the connected V16 beacon and that communication has been insufficient. Until now, the DGT has only reported through the media, without sending direct communications to drivers as it did with environmental labeling. Why this change now?. The replacement of the triangles with the V16 beacon seeks to prevent drivers from having to get out of the vehicle and walk along the road to signal a breakdown. Navarrese provides data: Between 20 and 25 people die every year after being run over after abandoning their car, although it recognizes that not all cases are directly related to the placement of triangles. The new device is placed on the roof of the vehicle without leaving the passenger compartment and emits a light signal visible up to a kilometer. Not all beacons are valid. Here is one of the big problems: many drivers bought V16 beacons a long time ago, but not all are approved. Only connected V16 beacons are valid, those that incorporate a GPS chip and SIM card to connect to the platform. DGT 3.0 and transmit the position of the vehicle in real time. Connectivity must be guaranteed for a minimum of 12 years without additional fees. Offline beacons, mostly sold before 2022, do not comply with the regulations. How to know if your beacon is legitimate. The key is in the certificate number. Before buying, you must verify on the DGT website that the product has valid approval. The official list includes all devices certified by the IDIADA or LCOE laboratories. Simply enter the certificate number in the search engine to confirm that the beacon meets the technical requirements. Without this step, it is easy to fall for misleading offers, especially on platforms like AliExpress or Temuwhere we can find both approved products and others that are not. Price is not everything. Although the OCU places the usual price around 40-50 eurosthere are specific offers that reduce the cost up to 10 euros for new users on certain platforms. Stake defend that the expense is acceptable, commenting that divided by 12 years of guaranteed connectivity, “it amounts to just three or four euros per year.” In addition, he also highlights that if you change vehicles, “you can take the beacon from one vehicle to another as you could do with triangles.” The beacon does not solve everything. Navarro too warns that “there are those who think that by installing the V16 everything is over. No. This is simply to notify that a kilometer and a half away there is a vehicle stopped on the road due to an incident. It is not for anything else. You still have to call your insurance company to have the tow truck come and remove the car or fix the damage. One thing does not replace the other, let’s make no mistake” Its limitations in broad daylight. The DGT itself recognize that the beacon works worse with natural light. Estaca admitted that “the worst they work is in daylight,” when their visibility is reduced to about 50 meters, the same distance as a traditional triangle. In adverse conditions (fog, rain, night), the flashing light gains effectiveness. Traffic’s commitment also involves trusting in digital connectivity, allowing other drivers to receive the warning through their browsers before arriving at the area of ​​the incident. Spain, world laboratory. The country will be the first in the world to mandatory implement a system of connected beacons. The European Commission follow the experience closely in Spain with a view to there being changes in the rest of the countries. Navarrese presume of the system as “a Spanish invention” and asks for patience to evaluate its real effectiveness once it comes into operation. What vehicles are required. The norm It affects passenger cars, buses, vans, goods transport vehicles and non-special sets registered in Spain. Motorcycles, special vehicles such as agricultural machinery, bicycles, scooters and cars with foreign license plates are exempt, which may continue to use triangles. Fine if we don’t have it. Although there will be initial flexibility, as claimed Navarro, the fine for not carrying the beacon will be 80 euros, the same as is currently applied for not having triangles. In addition, using triangles will also be punishable from January 1, since Traffic considers that they pose a risk of being run over. The DGT has not confirmed how long exactly the grace period will last before starting to sanction systematically. It would also not be advisable to tempt fate. Cover image | DGT In Xataka | More and more Spaniards receive a letter in their mailbox: they have a fine and an AI has given it to them

We all turn on our emergency lights when we get into a traffic jam. The DGT knows that we are doing it wrong

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It is more than likely that when you got your license They won’t mention it, but get into a traffic jam It is easy to turn on the emergency lights while braking. It is something almost instinctive, a warning for the one that goes 120 km/h behind you realize that you don’t brake for no reason. And if you don’t, you’ve probably seen it. However, the curious thing is that the General Driving Regulations do not contemplate this action. Because we do it to avoid accidents, but with the law in hand, the use of warnings It’s not what we have to do when we get into a traffic jam.. And yet, there are even new cars that activate them automatically if the system notices that we brake repeatedly. The most curious thing is that it is not bad nor is it a fault. Simply put, the law was written for cars from another era. Although current cars have been eliminating more and more buttons, relegating them to the screensthe emergency lights is one that has remained a physical and tactile piece. It is logical because it is a security element and it is one that we have well located in the control panel. When braking in traffic jams, it is almost a reflex for many drivers to use the emergency light button to warn those behind them of the situation. In fact, some new cars activate them automatically if the sensors (the accelerometer or the brake pressure sensor) detect a sudden deceleration or if the ABS comes into play. If the braking is progressive, they are not activated automatically. The use of emergency lights in a traffic jam: yes, but no (and vice versa) But… what does the law say? As our colleagues remember Motorpassionhe section C of article 109 The General Traffic Regulations of 2003 establish that the correct way to notify those behind us about this situation is: “The intention to immobilize the vehicle or to brake its progress considerably, even when such events are imposed by traffic circumstances, must be warned, whenever possible, by repeatedly using the brake lights or by moving the arm alternately up and down with short and quick movements.” The problem is that theory is one thing, but in practice, if we are slamming on the brakes It is difficult to walk by lifting your foot off the brake.. Much less by lowering the window and warning with signs. It is much easier to turn on the emergency lights, and the person in the back will also see them better than if we put our arm out the window. Why does the law say this? Because it is an article written in another era. It is an anachronism resulting from times in which the ABS It was not so present and in which, to avoid the wheels locking and the car skidding, we did have to lift our foot off the brake. In this way, we were automatically alerting the person behind us. Therefore, the law does not say that we put on the emergency lights in a traffic jam, but they are not going to fine us for it because the DGT understands the good intention when it comes to notifying other drivers about an anomaly in traffic. In fact, the fact that the law does not establish it, but the cars do, speaks about the discrepancy between the “strict law” and reality. The DGT itself advertises it: In fact, here comes the technicality of “whenever possible”a legal hole that protects us when turning on the emergency lights. Now, where it is mandatory to give these lights is when we cannot travel at the minimum speed on the road. That is, if we are in a traffic jam on a highway and we do not reach half the speed of the road, we will have to turn on our lights. Section 3 of article 49 says: “When a vehicle cannot reach the minimum required speed and there is a danger of overtaking, direction indicator lights with an emergency signal must be used while driving.” Will the regulations be modified at some point to reflect the current situation in which all cars launched these last 21 years Do they have ABS? It is not known, but since it is a universal code to alert of the situation, I imagine that it will not be one of the Administration’s priorities. Of course, you have probably found someone who has used them excessively, giving you a scare for no reason when you turn them on in a non-critical situation. And that, precisely, is what happened with some models from the 2000s that turned on the emergency lights automatically, even when braking to exit the highway. For example, early models of Citroen C4 either Peugeot 307 who were ahead of the rest with something that wasn’t going entirely well. Images | Kathy, Prithivi Rajan In Xataka | The V-16 beacons are here to stay (whether we like it or not): this is all there is to do in case of a breakdown

The DGT assumes that something has failed in the arrival of the V-16 beacons

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The DGT’s V-16 beacons will replace the emergency triangles in 2026. The DGT confirmed just a few days ago that there will be no extensions or delays of any kind. It is something that was already approved in 2021 and that we should all have in our cars. Or, at least, that was the idea. Because the DGT itself assumes that the communication has not been correct. The V-16 beacons. They will be mandatory starting January 1, 2026. As we have been telling you in Xatakathis device will be in charge of signaling our breakdowns or accidents on the road starting next year. In fact, it will be prohibited to use triangles as it is understood that they pose a risk of being run over when installing them. Despite the criticism, Pere Navarro, director of the DGT, confirmed that there will be no valid extensions. The only future from January 1, 2026 is that we all carry a connected V-16 beacon in our car (because not all of them are valid). Their defense is that it is something that has been approved for almost five years so it should not take us by surprise. However, there are voices within Traffic that sing the mea culpa. “Nor we have done the job well”. The words are from Montserrat Estaca, head of the Telematics Area of ​​the DGT, in an interview with 20Minutes. Estaca thus responded to a question that focused on how the imposition of the connected V-16 beacon has caught many drivers by surprise: “Well, look, we have been around since 2021-2022, but it is true that there are many, many citizens who are unaware that the V16 beacon is going to be mandatory from 01/01/2026. You ask people, your acquaintances, and it is true that there are many people who do not, therefore, “We should sing a little mea culpa that we have not done the job well or we have not sufficiently informed citizens of this new measure” By the media. Until now, the only way in which the DGT has contacted drivers has been through the media. And it is only with the publication of the news or the interviews that those responsible have been giving that those affected have been able to find out about the obligation to carry a connected V-16 beacon from the first day of 2026. And the DGT has not issued any direct communication to drivers. It is one of the criticisms that has taken the most force. Traffic has not sent a letter explaining the new obligation as it did, for example, when environmental labeling was activated. The head of the Telematics Area of ​​the DGT also recognizes 20Minutes who has no knowledge that this is going to occur. “Three or four euros”. It is another point where Estaca has placed emphasis. The V-16 connected light, which is sold mostly between 40 and 50 eurosthey are not expensive. For the DGT, it must be taken into account that it is a device that has guaranteed connectivity for at least 12 years. If the money from a first payment is amortized over more than a decade, the annual expense is very low, according to the DGT. “If it is divided by 12 years (the purchase expense), it comes out to 3-4 euros per year and if you look at the expense of maintaining a car (insurance, gasoline, ITV…) it is not that much. Since, the DGT guarantees the connectivity of the V16 for 12 years, in addition, if you change vehicles, you can take the beacon from one vehicle to another as you could do with the triangles” 80 euros if you don’t want. Estaca has also not confirmed whether there will be a grace period before Traffic officers begin to fine for the absence of this V-16 beacon connected to our cars. And anyone who lacks it faces a fine of 80 euros, the same one that is currently imposed if a driver does not have the triangles. Furthermore, it must be remembered that the use of triangles will be prohibited and that a driver who installs them may be fined for it. The DGT insists that the risk of being run over is very high and has already changed the traffic protocols. what should we do in case we have to report a fault. Sometimes, It is now mandatory to stay inside the car to wait for the requested help. “When they work at their worst”. Estaca also accepts that daylight is not something that suits the V-16 beacons that will be mandatory next year. “In natural light, at least it reaches the same as a triangle, that is, 50 meters. It’s like the turn signals, you see them from a certain distance, therefore, that is the minimum that the V16 has, the turn signal light and from there on up. (…) Yes, the V16, in more critical conditions, are more visible, when they work the worst they are in daylight” This, precisely, was one of the criticisms that experts in road safety have been carrying out on these connected V-16 lights. The visibility generated with such a light when weather conditions are good is nothing short of questionable. Also in changes in grade or sharp curves, but from Traffic they cling to the connectivity of the beacon and the idea that this product expands the visibility of a breakdown to the digital spectrum through the car’s navigator. Photo | Shen Liu and DGT In Xataka | The “made in China” business of the DGT’s V-16 beacons: homologating the same product 24 times and selling it under different brands

what the DGT says about them from 2026

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From 2026 onwards V16 beacons become mandatory, although one of their requirements is that of have connectivity with an eSIM connected directly to the DGT to be able to locate you. But when people started talking about these beacons and that they were going to be mandatory, the first beacons that were coming were not connected. So, let’s tell you what happens if you wanted to hurry too much and bought an unconnected beaconor even if you have accidentally bought one V16 counterfeit. To clarify, we are going to tell you what the DGT says about these beacons that do not have connectivity. Your V16 beacon without connectivity is of no use to you Within the DGT website there is a section with 20 questions about the beacons, and one of them is yes you can continue using triangles or unconnected V16 beacon. The DGT’s response is the following: No. Neither triangles nor offline V16s will be valid in Spain as a means of signaling immobilized vehicles as of January 1. With one exception, those vehicles that are registered in other countries and are in international circulation. Therefore, your unconnected V16 will not work for you not at all. If you only carry one of those, you will be exposed to fines for not having an approved beacon, just as if you did not carry any. In this case, it does not matter if when you bought the beacons it was not specified that it would be necessary for them to be connected, they are still useless. From January 1, 2026, it will be mandatory to have a V16 connected in the car, and if you have one that is not connected, then you do not meet the legal requirements. Image | DGT In Xataka Basics | Check if your V16 beacon works well without alerting the DGT: how to do it and what time limit you have

The offer on this V16 beacon arrives at El Corte Inglés that will help you comply with the DGT regulations from January 1

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From January 1 it will be mandatory to carry a V16 beacon to comply with the DGT regulations. These beacons are not particularly cheap, so some stores have gotten to work to launch the occasional offer. And if you have not yet purchased a V16 beacon, El Corte Inglés has the Onexus-Geo by 39.99 euros instead of 49.99 euros. Onexus-Geo (V16 approved beacon) The price could vary. We earn commission from these links A V16 beacon that lights up when the base rotates The Onexus-Geo is a V16 beacon that meets the DGT requirements, which are not few. This type of beacon replaces the triangles and this particular model, in accordance with the law, incorporates a GPS module at its top, offering prepaid connectivity until January 1, 2039, so it has a duration of 12 years. Includes a battery charge level indicator and To turn it on, just rotate its basean interesting point, and one that differs from the typical power button, to prevent us from accidentally activating it. It is capable of emitting a powerful light and connects directly to the DGT. It works with a battery that is included and has a magnetic fixation so that it can be easily placed on the top of the car. Furthermore, depending on the brand, it offers up to 2 hours of autonomyit is resistant to rain, snow and dust, it is visible from 1 kilometer and the battery can be changed without tools. You may also be interested in these other V16 beacons El Corte Inglés also has other V16 beacons at the same price, as is the case with the Help Flash IoT by 39.99 euroswhich is also a model manufactured in Spain by Netun Solutions. Amazon also has many V16 beacons, such as the Help Flash IoT+ by 34.95 euros wave Isse Safety by 34.54 euros. Even PcComponentes, which now has the Nk DP-EL2024-C1 on offer for 29.99 euros. The price could vary. We earn commission from these links help flash IoT+, V16 Emergency Light with Geolocation and more than 250 candela power, Required from 2026, Connected with DGT 3.0, V-16 Signal for Cars, data plan included The price could vary. We earn commission from these links ISSE SAFETY Beacon v16 Approved DGT SIM and Data Included until 2038 – Car Emergency Light Approved DGT 3.0 – v16 ​​With Mandatory Geolocation January 2026 v16 Approved DGT The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Some of the links in this article are affiliated and may provide a benefit to Xataka. In case of non-availability, offers may vary. Image | El Corte Inglés and Compradicción (header), Onexus In Xataka | V-16 emergency light for the car. Purchasing guide, regulations and when they come into force, characteristics and approvals In Xataka | Clarifying all the mess that the DGT has on its hands: the V-16 light, the V-27 signal and the emergency triangles

The DGT is clear that the future is the V-16 beacon… or the V-16 beacon

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On January 1, 2026 comes one of the most profound changes that Traffic regulations have experienced in our country in recent years. In just over a month, the way of signaling a breakdown or accident will completely change on our roads with the V-16 beacons connected. A system that has raised controversy but about which Traffic already warns: there is no turning back. “It is clear”. Nor will there be any extension. This is what Pere Navarro, director of the DGT, has warned about in the presentation of the Dekra 2025 Road Safety Report at the Mapfre Foundation headquarters, as stated Hybrids and Electrics. Regarding the possibility of not taking them, Navarro has assured that “there are no excuses or extensions. It is clear to everyone, right?” At that same event, the director of the DGT also recalled that the decision has been approved since 2021 and that this change should not catch anyone by surprise. 2021… The truth is that Navarro is not telling the whole truth when he assures that the exclusive use of the V-16 beacon was approved in 2021. In practice, this is the case and, in fact, it is already This possibility was discussed in 2020 when it was rumored that it would be mandatory a little earlier, in 2024. But Navarro’s statement is a half-truth. Because at the time we did not know that, in the end, the only approved lights would be those that can be connected with DGT 3.0. That regulatory change came in 2023. Now everyone who bought a beacon at that time has to spend the money again because your device is not valid. The reasons. For this change, the DGT has been arguing for years that putting triangles on the road is too dangerous. On the contrary, they have defended the use of the beacon by emphasizing the possibility of installing it on the roof of the car without having to leave the vehicle, just by sticking your arm out the window. To reaffirm this, Tráfico defends that on average Around 20 people were dying a year “after getting out of the vehicle” on the road. However, their data does not specify whether this refers to opening the door and getting out of the car, for example, or if the accident occurred when installing the triangles. It must be remembered that installing the beacon does not exempt passengers from standing outside the car. From 2023this operation must be carried out if there is a place away from traffic where you can wait for the emergency services. If it does not exist, that is when the passenger has to wait inside the car with the seat belt fastened. They do not convince. At least to some associations and road safety experts. To questions from Xatakathe Unified Association of Civil Guards (AUGC) assured that dangerous situations had already occurred with the use of the V-16 beacon as the only warning element on the road. José Lagunar, road safety expert at Auto FM shared concerns, pointing out similar reasons in both cases. The main fears of critics with the measure are related to the low visibility of the device in daytime conditions but also to the duration of 30 minutes (minimum required by the DGT) that the device must be in operation, pointing out that if the arrival of emergencies or a tow truck takes longer than expected we will be sold out on the road, without the possibility of using any other device. And they can fine you. Both for ignoring the beacon and for not carrying it in the glove compartment of the car or, directly, putting in the emergency triangles. In any of these cases, an agent could fine us at least 80 euros (it is considered a minor infraction) for not wearing the appropriate equipment to mark an obstacle on the road or not marking it correctly. Despite everything, the AUGC recommended continue carrying the triangles in the car (something that is not a reason for a fine). The experts consulted by Xataka They remind us of the importance of being able to warn of a breakdown where the connected V-16 beacon is not effective, such as on a secondary road where changes in grade or sharp curves are more common. Photo | DGT In Xataka | The “made in China” business of the DGT’s V-16 beacons: homologating the same product 24 times and selling it under different brands

that the DGT is going to “spy” on us with them

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On January 1st all We must carry a V16 beacon in the car and many doubts are arising around them. Mostly what model to buy to make sure that is approvedbut privacy is also questioned. In forums like Forocoches There are drivers who wonder if the DGT will be able to know where we are at all times and even if they will be able to use them to fine us if we exceed the speed. The reason for the suspicion. The V16 beacons have a GPS system and the integration of a SIM card that offers connection for up to twelve years. Technically they are capable of transmitting our position to the DGT and in fact that is exactly what they do when we connect them. However, this does not mean that it is a surveillance device for several reasons. Timely shipping. Although they share our position, the beacons are designed to do so punctually when we have an accident, not continuously as a tracking device. The DGT says that this is its only objective and no additional functionalities can be “incorporated”. It is a requirement for the beacons to receive approval. You don’t know our data. For there to be surveillance, it is necessary for the security guard to know who we are, but the V16 beacons are not associated with us or our vehicle, so even if they broadcast our position at all times, the DGT would not know who we are. On the official website they clarify it: “The beacon only transmits the exact position of our vehicle in order to avoid road accidents, but it does not collect or emit personal information about us or our vehicle.” About the apps. There are applications like SOS Alert either MyIncidence that link with the connected V16 beacon to offer more functionality. One of them is the possibility of connecting them to our insurance so that they also receive the alert when you use the beacon in an accident. This is totally optional. If you are concerned about privacy and the beacon being associated with you and your vehicle, not registering would be enough. Fines. It is clear that the DGT cannot fine you “remotely” through the beacon, so you can receive a fine of up to 200 euros It’s because you don’t have it in the vehicle. You can also receiving a fine is for turning it on without an accident having occurred. Approved beacons offer a grace period of 100 seconds until they send the position, more than enough time to check that it works correctly without giving a false warning. You doubt yes. The V16 beacons They are not a mass surveillance devicebut they are being questioned for other reasons that are well founded, such as their visibility during the day. Experts warn that dangerous situations have already occurred For this reason, especially when the vehicle stops after a curve or in a change of gradient; With the triangles we could make ourselves seen sooner, but not with this. The problem is that triangles will be banned starting January 1st. Added to this is the question of price. Although there are cheaper modelswe are talking about a product that is usually around 40-50 euros, which is not exactly cheap. Taking into account that andThe number of passenger cars in Spain exceeds 25 millionthe business is huge, it is estimated that could reach 1.7 billion eurosand all for a device that is not clear that it is better than triangles. Image | DGT In Xataka | Yes, next year I am going to carry the V-16 beacon because they force me to. It doesn’t even occur to me to throw away the triangles

How do I check that it works without alerting the DGT

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The DGT is clear about the two greatest strengths of the new V-16 beacon. The first is that it can be installed on the roof of the car without getting out of the vehicle. By putting our hand out the window we can place it on the roof to alert us that there is an obstacle on the road. The second is your connectivity. In fact, it is the main reason why you have to be careful if you still have to buy a beacon of this type. Until 2021, the intention was simply for the driver to carry the beacon on him but from that year onwards It was decided that this should be connected so that when we activate it we give notice to DGT 3.0. This platform is what Traffic uses to be aware of everything that is happening and alert other drivers through warning signs that there is an obstacle on the road. Additionally, the promise is that all connected cars will receive an alert in the instrument cluster called signal V-27. This is all very well but… how do we know that the beacon works and that it does not have any errors without alerting the DGT? 100 seconds test As we have already told you, the V-16 beacons can operate with batteries. Therefore, it is important to carry a spare pack if you use the first and regularly check if the battery is charged if you choose this second option. Doubts arise when turn on the beacon for the first time. And in addition to carrying it charged or having batteries, we will have to make sure that the beacon works correctly. In that case, there is no choice but turn it on at home. But don’t be afraid if you think you are going to open an incident on the DGT platform, they are going to find out where you live and they are going to send emergency services to you. For a start, the DGT assures that the information sent by the V-16 beacon is completely private. It only indicates its geopositioning but there is no private data such as the person who activated it, the broken down car or any other detail that Traffic knows at that moment. You will also not launch a rescue plan when you activate the V-16 beacon. The DGT remembers It is the responsibility of the driver or passengers to notify the emergency services, their only responsibility is to monitor the incident so that it is reflected in DGT 3.0. Finally, from the moment the beacon is activated until the first warning is given to the platform 100 seconds will pass. This time window acts as a safety net to avoid false positives, but it is also one of the reasons that guarantee that the emergency light can have a battery for the minimum required 30 minutes. The beacon connects to DGT 3.0 through IoT networksknown as the Internet of Things. This network is not part of the typical bandwidth of 4G or 5G networks and allows the sending of very small data packets in a single direction, which maximizes the use time of a device. Every 100 seconds, the beacon sends its positioning to the DGT again. The system is similar to that of a sports Smartwatch in which you can choose how often the GPS position is recalculated, with the aim of extending the battery. That is to say, there is no problem turning on the V-16 beacon when you receive it at home. If you want to check that it works and that everything is correct, it is best to start it to make sure. Of course, you must turn it off before 100 seconds have passed so that a false positive does not occur. Photo | DGT In Xataka | Disassembling a V16 beacon and keeping its “free” SIM for 12 years sounds great. has a little problem

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